Photographer's Note

Good Morning Everyone,

Our weekend visit to the Lake District began with a stop off at Wray Castle which is a mock castle, built in 1840, as a residence for Dr James Dawson, using his wife's inheritance. Seemingly, she took one look at the castle when it was completed and refused to live in it!

It is situated at the top of Lake Windermere, on the western edge, only a few miles from Ambleside. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1929 and though there were no contents when they inherited the building, the rooms are still worth exploring.

The National Trust put on lots of activities for children during the holidays and, when we were there, the car park was full and lots of youngsters were taking advantage of the opportunities.

The day was overcast so, I decide to show the castle in b&w, as the scene was already very monochrome.

There is an excellent link here which lots of further information about the history of the castle and some excellent interior shots.

Hi Bev
Perhaps Mrs Dawson had wanted a cosy cottage instead of this imposing fortification :-).
Your picture is excellent especially with the fine monochrome treatment with fine details which remind me of the beautiful illustrations of old English classics. The framing is perfect and the chosen pov brings out the best in the sense of depth and height.
Thanks for sharing and have a nice day.
best regards
Satya

B&W choise, due to grey sky aloft, was a good decision, Beverly.
The outlines and the details of the ancient fortified wall around the castle, are even in fine contrast to the main edifice.
Though it would be worth to see a bright-day colors version.
View upwards also gave it's mighty look, can imagine the knights standing atop on the turrets with spears at hands...
Best regards,
Ike

Do you know, I don't think I've even heard of this place, which is strange as it looks as if it should be famous! Another cracking monochrome: it really makes sense to go for b/w in dull weather doesn't it? Nice thirdsy composition too.

Hi Bev
a really wonderful looking castle this, it has all the elements that make it look both impressive and impregnable. Amazing to think it is not as old as it looks in this excellent B&W study. Like the tones and textures this medium brings out so successfully.

Hello Bev,
In those days, wives had little say as to how their husbands used their money. I can't say I blame her, it doesn't look very cosy! Black and white suits perfectly. The shot is well composed with the castle placed off-centre and the adjacent trees making an interesting frame.

Hello Bev,
Mock or not, this is still a fine castle, at least seen from this angle. But I understand the poor Mrs Dawson for refusing to live there. It would hardly have been a cosy home. Seen against the cloudy sky the turrets look quite impressive, and near the bottom the road creates a fine lower frame.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hi Bev,
Another wonderful corner of England that you have rendered so well! I have lived in England and visited many times since, but your collection of photos brings some, to me unknown, wonders to the fore.
I love the POV and monochrome effect - they both convey stature and power so well.
All the best,
Willam

Hi Bev, very good and interesting photograph of this interesting castle black and white, very well captured in this beautiful image with good sharpness and light. Very good and interesting job well done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Hi Bev,a beautiful black and white version,perfect for this imposing view on this castle,looks like a pic taken in 1960,very well exposed to not burn the clouds and to don't loose the architechture detail,excellent work and interesting post.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Isnt is weird that people deciced to make a place like this modern times, but as a big fan of castles, I have to wonder, if I won the Euromillions, would I??? Certainly I've toyed with the idea of building an Irish Blenheim or Versailles, but not for me own use, more as something to leave to the generations of shutterbugs yet to come!
How surprising his wife did not wish to live here, I thought all ladies loved the idea of draughty halls, spider filled corners and hay spread round on the ground :)
LOvely idea to convert to B&W too, it suits this shot perfectly. The upwards point of view is very cool too, gives a nice Castle Dracula feeling to it.
Thanks as always
Noel

A superb b&w image and a fine upward pov over the castle. Good sharpness and tonal range with excellent lighting contrasts and nice graphic elements. I like the angled pov and repetition of the 3 circular watchtowers. Have a nice week!

Hi Bev,
A lovely B & W shot which works extremely well with that overcast and foreboding sky. I like your choice of LOV , low down so as to make the battlements and ramparts tower above.Great shot. It would be great fun to explore the empty rooms I am sure- I do wonder what Mrs Dawson took exception to- surely there could be worse places to live ?
Thanks for sharing
Kathryn